Grammy-winning musician Billie Eilish is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated third album, ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft,’ scheduled to debut on May 17. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Eilish opened up about the personal journey that inspired the creation of her upcoming album.
Eilish revealed that ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ allowed her to reconnect with her former self, similar to her debut album, ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’ She expressed that the new album feels like a version of herself from that time, capturing her youth and childhood essence.
Reflecting on her rapid rise to fame in 2019, Eilish described it as a period of both madness and joy. However, amidst the chaos, she felt disconnected from herself. She also recounted a challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic when she dyed her hair blond, symbolizing her struggle to rediscover her identity.
Her brother and collaborator, Finneas O’Connell, described the upcoming album as “a coping mechanism of an album,” indicating its deeply personal nature. Eilish acknowledged that while her second album, ‘Happier Than Ever,’ received critical acclaim, it didn’t feel entirely authentic to her.
With ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft,’ Eilish embraces her past while exploring new musical territory. O’Connell noted that the album carries a sense of history, saying, “This album has some real ghosts in it… There’s a past to it, which I really like.”
The album delves into themes of growth and self-discovery, incorporating ideas that have evolved over the years. Eilish explained her decision not to release singles ahead of the album, wanting listeners to experience the project as a cohesive whole. She likened the album to a family, emphasizing that she didn’t want any individual song to stand alone.
Additionally, Eilish’s recent Academy Award win for her song ‘No Time to Die,’ from the James Bond film of the same name, made her the youngest double Oscar winner in history. This achievement, coupled with her musical success, highlights Eilish’s remarkable talent and impact on the entertainment industry.